Today I’m taking you on a virtual trip to the lovely waterfront city that I call home with this city guide to Kirkland. On the shores of Lake Washington, across the water from Seattle, Kirkland is the perfect mix of laid-back and beachy. I’ve called Kirkland home since 2012 and my family and I love it for its fun beaches and parks, great restaurants, and community activities. Here are some of my favorite spots to frequent – make sure to check back as I’ll continue adding in new places.
EAT
Breakfast/Brunch: Little Brother
Little Brother is a restaurant focused on locally-sourced, organic and seasonal ingredients in an industrial-style setting. They can get really busy at lunch, so I like to come for breakfast when things are a bit quieter. Besides the delicious food, the space itself is beautiful with lots of natural light – perfect for documenting your feast! Also, on summer weekends, they host a farmer’s market in their courtyard with occasional seasonal pop-ups.
456 Central Way, Kirkland, WA 98033 | http://littlebrotherkirkland.com
What I order: The Chef’s Granola
Lunch: Deru Market
Deru Market is ‘big’ brother to Little Brother listed above. Owned by the same chef couple, Deru Market also focuses on local, sustainable and seasonal food and is a community staple. I love their sandwiches and they make craft cocktails that are to dieeee for!
What I order: The Smoked Turkey Sandwich with Beecher’s cheddar, apple, arugula and aioli and the Farm Salad with feta, harvest greens, toasted seeds, heirloom carrots, herbs, and a house herb vinaigrette.
723 9th Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033 | derumarket.com/
Dinner: Oto Sushi
Everyone needs a no-frills place where they know they are going to get a great meal, at a great price, every time. Oto Sushi is that place for me.
What I order: The Rainbow roll and the Hawaii roll.
11628 97th Ln NE Kirkland WA 98034 | otosushiusa.com/
Drink
Coffeeshop: Zoka Coffee & Roasters
No city guide to Kirkland would be complete without mentioning my favorite way to get fuel! Zoka has a handful of locations throughout the Seattle area, and luckily, Kirkland is one of them! They have friendly baristas and simply know how to make great coffee.
What I order: Vanilla Latte
129 Central Way, Kirkland, WA 98033 | www.zokacoffee.com/
Shop
Antique Shop: Oscar & Co.
Oscar & Co. is one of my favorite places to source antiques for clients. With an ever-changing and curated selection, the owner, Dawn Oscar, and her husband even refurbish some of the pieces sold there. This is truly a treasure trove!
702 Market St, Kirkland, WA 98033
IVY Gift & Home
IVY Gift & Home has the cutest selection of items that make for great hostess gifts, seasonal decor and of course, home accessories.
141 Park Ln, Kirkland, WA 98033 | ivygiftandhome.com/
Asher Goods
If I need a cool gift for my husband, I will head to Asher Goods. I love its uniquely PNW feel and range of products, all made in the USA – there’s something here for every kind of guy in your life.
15 Lake Street, Ste. 201, Kirkland, WA, 98033 | ashergoods.com/
Favorite Place to Take My Kids
“Castle” Park
Why I go there: Even though this park is technically called the North Rose Hill Woodlands Park, everyone local knows it as Castle Park. I love taking my kids here, and they think it’s pretty much the best place ever, which scores me some major mom points with them
9930 124th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033
Favorite Dog Park
Juanita Beach Park
My toddler dog, a Pointer named Tova, needs LOTS of exercise. I love taking her to Juanita Beach Park and letting her get out the wiggles.
9703 NE Juanita Drive Kirkland, WA 98034| explorekirkland.com
Hair Salon
Winslow Salon
Why I go there: Featuring a sleek + modern interior and a team of talented stylists (I see Rachelle!), Winslow is my hair’s now-not-so-secret weapon.
118 Central Way Kirkland, WA 98033 | www.winslowsalon.com
What are your favorite Kirkland restaurants, shops, and attractions? Leave a comment with a place I should try and I might add it to an updated city guide to Kirkland!
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